Bottle and jar capping machine



April 26, 1938. F. L. DARLING BOTTLE AND JAR CAPPING MACHINE Original Filed March 11, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 gwwnto a will "ll/42' I 71 k fix i April 26, 1938. F. L. DARLING BOTTLE AND JAR CAPPING MACHINE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed March 11, 1952 gwua'nfox Patented Apr. 26, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE BOTTLE AND JAR, UAPPING MACHINE Refiied for abandoned application Serial No.

March 11, 1932. This application January 29, 1934, Serial No. 708,919. Renewed May 14, 1935 17 Claims.

My invention has for its object to provide a simple, inexpensive, rugged apparatus for capping bottles and jars using the Darling or Halyard cap and opener, as illustrated in Patent No. 1,777,077, September 3, 1930, Patent No. 1,863,102, June 14, 1932 and Patent No. 1,948,513, February 27, 1934.

Many cappers have heretofore been devised but they have all been unsatisfactory for one reason or another; some are too expensive to manufacture, others are too flimsy in construction to withstand the high pressure necessary to apply caps such as Halyard caps. My invention therefore has for an object to provide an inexpensive capper, the parts of which may be readily manufactured with the use of simple manufacturing equipment and whose parts may be assembled quickly and conveniently.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part be pointed out hereinafter.

To the attainment of the aforesaid objects and ends, the invention still further resides in the novel details of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, all of which will be first fully described in the following detailed description, then be particularly pointed out in the appended claims, reference being had to the accom panying drawings, in which:

Figure l is an elevation of a preferred embodiment of my invention.

Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical section of the crowning die unit.

Figure 4 is an inverted plan view of the same.

Figure 5 is a detail section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an elevation of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a section on the line 88 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a detail perspective view of the lever plate.

Figure 10 is a detail section on the line Ill-l of Figure 6.

In the drawings in which like numerals of reference designate like parts in all of the figures, l represents a suitable base stamped from sheet metal and formed with a flange 2 and a depressed center 3, the latter serving as a holder for a rubber mat 4 on which the vessel to be capped is placed. Secured to the base I by spot-welding are a pair of flat bar standards 5, the lower ends of which pass through slots 13 in the base 1 and are spot welded to the base as at 30.

The standards in the preferred embodiment of the invention (see Figure 1) are notched at 6, the notches being located at predetermined heights from the base I to take care of bottles and jars of difierent standardized heights as for in stance jelly tumblers, half-pint jars, pint jars and quart jars, it being, of course, understood that the number and location of the notches 6 depend upon the number of different size of vessels to be capped. V

1 designates a pair of triangularly shaped head plates that are spaced apart to permit their being fitted over the standards 5. The head plates in the preferred embodiment of the invention are spaced apart by lugs 8 having reduced ends 9 passed through apertures in the plates 1 and riveted over as at ID, the lugs 8 fitting the recesses 6 as indicated. The plates 1 have an extension that is apertured at II to receive a retaining pin l2 which may be held in place if desired by a cotter pm.

I4 is a rocker plate which is held between the plates 1 pivotally on a fulcrum pin l5, the pin [5 passing through aligning holes in the plates 1 and I4 and being held against endwise movement by the overlying links it hereinafter again referred to.

The plates 1 have curved slots l6 for the cross pin I! that passes through the links 18, the slots 16 and the rocker plate I 4 and forms an operating connection between the rocker plate and the links. !9 is a washer on the end of the pin I1 and 29 is a cotter pin passed through the pin H to hold it in place.

The plates 1 have a recess 4| in which the capping die 25 moves up and down, and in order that the up and down movement may be imparted to the capping die 25 the plates have vertical slots 2| through which passes a second cross pin 22 that also passes through the links l8 and is held in position by a Washer 23 and cotter pin 24.

The die head 25 may also be formed of stamped metal and when so formed it is provided with a flange 26 that is notched at 27 to form guide slots for the reception of the plates 1.

In order that the die head 25 may be raised and lowered it is provided with a flat shank plate 28 having a lug 29 that projects through a slot in the die 25 and is spot-welded to the die as at 30. The lug 29 has a hole 3! into which one end 33 of an involute spring 32 is passed, the spring 32 tightly engaging the lug 29 and thereby being retained in place within the die 25. The spring 32 also one of the plates 1 is stamped with a lug 35 to which one end of a helical spring 36 is attached, the other end of the-spring having a hook 38 engaging with a notch 31 in the plate l4 so that as the plate i4 is rocked in one direction the spring will be placed under tension and will return the rocker plate to its normal position (with the die 25 elevated) When'the handle 40 is released. The handle 4|] is made of a piece of tubing. flattened at one end to slip over the handle lug extension 39 of the rocker plate 14.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 6 et seq. those parts which are of the same construction as in the first embodiment bear the same reference numerals, but those which are modified in construction or which perform the same function but are of different form bear a corresponding reference numeral plus the index letter (x). r

In the second embodiment of the invention the bar standards 5 instead of having notches 6 are provided with apertures Ba at stated intervals through which bolts 42 having wing nuts 43 are passed to hold the cross head formed by the plates lxla: on the standards 5a: in any of the desired positions. In this embodiment instead of using a helical spring to return the rocker plate, a straight coil spring 352: is used, the same being anchored to a pin 35x carried by the plates 1a: and anchored to the rocker plate Mac by pass ing the end of the spring through an aperture 37:1: in the rocker plate.

From the foregoing it will be seen the plates 1 can be die-stamped using one set of dies, the uprights 5 die-stamped with another set, the base i with a third set, the handle plate M with a fourth set, the links l8 with a fifth set and the crowning die 25 with a sixth set. All holes and 3 slots in the plates 1 and also the lugs 35 can be 7 diameter.

stamped out with the same set of dies that forms the plates and in the same operation as that of stamping out the plates 1. The die that stamps out the uprights 5 also at the same time stamps 7 out the notches 6 or holes 6.1:, and the die that stamps out the base I also stamps in the slots for the uprights. 5 to pass through.

The holes for the pins l5 and ll in the lever plate M are punched at the same time that the plate is stamped out. The pins I! and 22 and the bolts and nuts 42 and 43 are standard makes which can be purchased at a nominal cost, and the pin I5 is cut from steel rod of a standard The handle 40 is made of ordinary tubing flattened to form a socket for the extension 39; Thus it will be seen that the cost of manufacture has been reduced to the minimum.

The plates 1-! constitute a strong rigid cross head or bridge from bar 5 .to bar 5 and as the strain of capping is straight up. and down along the central vertical axis of the machine and as the lever action is in a plane paralleling the faces of the plates 1 and bars 5 no twisting eifect is produced during the operation of capping which would tend to bend the bars 5 or loosen up the connections of the parts I, 5 and I.

It is, of course, to be understood that the size of the cap opening of the die 25 Will be designed for the particular vessel or vessels to be capped. Bottles such as ginger ale bottles of course require a smaller capping aperture in the die 25 than is required for the wider mouth vessels.

This application is a refiling of my application Ser. No. 598,253, filed March 11, 1932, allowed September 8, 1932.

As various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without sacrificing any of its advantages, it is to be understood that all matter herein to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim is:

- 1. In a capping machine, a base, a pair of flat bar uprights mounted in spaced relation edgewise on the base to receive a vessel to be capped between them, a pair of cross head plates secured to said bar uprights one against each face thereof, whereby the uprights space the plates apart, a sheet metal rocker plate located between said head plates, a fulcrum pin passing through apertures in said head plates and said rocker plate, said head plates having arcuate slots and vertical slots and a capping die receiving recess, a capping die located in said recess and having a fiat shank extending between said head plates, links on the outside of said head plates, pins passing through said links, said arcuate and said vertical slots,

said rocker plate and said shank, and a handle extension for said rocker plate. 2. In a capping machine, a base, a pair of 'flat bar uprights mounted in spaced relation; edgewise on the base to receive a vessel to be capped between them, a pair of cross head plates secured to said bar uprights one against each face thereof whereby the uprights space the'plates apart, a sheet 'metal rocker plate located between said head plates, a fulcrum pin passing throughapertures in said head plates and said rocker plate, said head plates having arcuate slots and vertical slots and a capping die receiving recess, a capping die located in said recess and having a flat shank extending between said head plates, links on the outside of said head plates, pins passing. through said links, said arcuate and said vertical slots, said rocker plate and said shank, and a handle extension for said rocker plate, said links overly ing the ends of said fulcrum pin. 7 l

3. A capping machine composed of a pressed metal base, flat bar uprights carried by said base, said uprights lying in the same vertical plane, a pair of plates constituting a cross head, means adjustably mounting said plates on said uprights,

said plates having capping die recesses, a capping die mounted to work in said recesses and having a flat shank extended between said plates, a

rocker plate fulcrumed between the first mentioned plates above the capping die, links con necting said rocker plate with said shank whereby when said rocker plate is rocked said diewill be raised and lowered.

l. In a capping machine, a base, a pair of fiat bar uprights mounted in spaced relation edgewise on the base to receive a vessel to be capped between them, a pair of cross head plates secured said links, said arcuate and said vertical slots, said rocker plate and said shank, a handle extension for said rocker plate, and spring means continuously tending to rock said rocker plate in one direction to lift said die.

5. In a capping machine, a base, a pair of flat bar uprights mounted in spaced relation edgewise on the base to receive a vessel to be capped between them, a pair of cross head plates secured to said bar uprights one against each face thereof whereby the uprights space the plates apart, a sheet metal rocker plate located between said head plates, a fulcrum pin passing through apertures in said head plates and said rocker plate, said head plates having arcuate slots and vertical slots and a cap-ping die receiving recess, a capping die located in said recess and having a flat shank extending between said head plates, links on the outside of said head plates, pins passing through said links, said arcuate and said vertical slots, said rocker plate and said shank, a handle extension for said rocker plate, said links overlying the ends of said fulcrum pin, and spring means continuously tending to rock said rocker plate in one direction to lift said die.

6. A capping machine composed of a pressed metal base, flat bar uprights carried by said base, said uprights lying in the same vertical plane, a pair of plates constituting a cross head, means adjustably mounting said plates on said uprights, said plates having capping die recesses, a capping die mounted to work in said recesses and having a fiat shank extended between said plates, a rocker plate, fulcrumed between the first mentioned plates above the capping die, links connecting said rocker plate with said shank whereby when said rocker plate is rocked said die will be raised and lowered, and spring means continuously tending to rock said rocker plate in one direction to lift said die.

7. A capping machine composed of a pressed metal base, flat bar uprights carried by said base, said uprights lying in the same vertical plane, a pair of platesconstituting a cross head, means adjustably mounting said plates on said uprights, said plates having capping die recesses, a capping die mounted to work in said recesses and having a flat shank extended between said plates, a rocker plate fulcrumed between the first mentioned plates above the capping die, links connecting said rocker plate with said shank whereby when said rocker plate is rocked said die will be raised and lowered, one of said pair of plates having a lug stamped inwardly, a spiral spring located between said pair of plates with one of its ends anchored to said lug and its other end anchored to said rocker plate, for the purpose specified.

8. In a capping machine, a base, uprights carried in spaced relation by said base, a cross head vertically adjustably mounted on said uprights, said cross head being composed of flat plates spaced apart by said uprights, a rocker plate held between said cross head plates, a pivot pin piercing said cross head plates and said rocker plate with its ends flush with the outer faces of said cross head plates, a crowning die having a shank located between said cross head plates, and means including links and cross pins connecting said shank eccentrically to said rocker plate and holding said cross head plates, said rocker plate and said pivot pin in assembled relation.

9. In a capping machine, a base, uprights mounted in spaced relation in the same vertical plane on said base, a cross head composed of a pair of flat plates engaging the sides of said uprights and held spaced apart thereby, cross lugs riveted to said plates, said uprights having open notches to receive said cross lugs, means to hold said cross head with its lugs in said notches against accidental displacement therefrom, a capping die carried by said cross head, and a lever mechanism mounted on said cross head for reciprocating said capping die. I

10. In a capping machine, a base, uprights mounted in spaced relation in the same vertical plane on said base, a cross head composed of a pair of flat plates engaging the sides of said uprights and held spaced apart thereb cross lugs riveted to said plates, said uprights having open notches to receive said cross lugs, means to hold said cross head with its lugs in said notches against accidental displacement therefrom, a capping die carried by said cross head, and a lever mechanism mounted on said cross head for reciprocating said capping die, said lever mechanism including a rocker plate located between the plates of said cross head, links operatively joining said capping die and said rocker plate, and means passing through said cross head plates, said rocker plate and a portion of said capping die for connecting the parts in assembled relation.

11. In a capping machine the combination of a base, uprights mounted on said base, a cross head having a pair of recesses therein for mounting a capping die, a capping die mounted in said recesses, a shank member on said capping die, extending partly within said capping die, resilient means in said capping die secured to said shank member, a rocker plate, links for connecting said rocker plate to said shank whereby said die will be raised and lowered when said plate is rocked, and resilient means tending to move said plate in one direction to lift said die.

12. In a capping machine the combination of a base, an upright member mounted on said base, a pair of head plates at the upper end of said upright member having vertical portions for slidably mounting a capping die and slots above said portions, a capping die mounted in said head plates adapted to move upwardly and downwardly and be guided by said portions, a lug member on said capping die, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said head plates, a link for connecting said rocker arm to said lug, a pin extending through said link and lug guided by said slots in said head plates, and means for oscillating said rocker arm to raise and lower said capping die.

13. In a capping machine, the combination of a base, an upright member mounted on said base, a pair of head plates at the upper end of said upright member for slidably mounting a capping die therein, a capping die mounted on said head plates adapted to be moved upwardly and down- 7 a base, an upright member mounted on said base,

a head at the upper end of said upright member for slidably mounting a capping die, a capping die mounted in said head adapted to move upwardly and downwardly, a lug member on said capping die, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said head, a link, a pin at one end of said link for connecting said rocker arm to said link, a second pin at the other end of said link for connecting said link to said lug, said head having an arcuate slot for receiving said first pin to guide the movement of said link and a vertical slot for receiving said second pin to guide the movement of said capping diameans for oscillating said rocker arm to raise and lower said capping die, and resilient means tending to lift said die into its upward position.

15.. In a capping machine, the combination of a base, an upright member mounted on said base,

a pair of head plates at the upper end of said upright member for slidably mounting a capping die therein, each of said head plates having an arcuate slot and a vertical slot therein for guiding suitable pins to translate rotary movement into lineal movement and portions for guiding a capping die in a vertical direction, a capping die mounted in said head plates adapted to move upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction, an extension on said capping die having an aperture therein, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on said head plates, a link, a pin extending through said aperture, one end of said link and said vertical slots, a second pin extending through said rocker arm, the other end of said link and said arcuate slots, and a handle for oscillating said rocker arm to raise and lower said capping die.

16. In a capping machine, the combination of a base, a pair of flat uprights mounted in spaced relation on said base, a pair of spaced cross head members adjustably connected to said uprights and having recesses therein adapted to receive 'a capping die, said cross head members engaging the sides of said uprights, a capping die provided with an outwardly extending flange at the lower portion thereof having guiding means therein mounted in said recesses, said cross head members cooperating with eachother and with said capping die to guide said capping die, lugs secured to said cross head members, said uprights having notches therein adapted to receive said lugs, and a link mechanism for operating said capping die.

1'7. A capping machine comprising a base, uprights carried by said base, said uprights lying in substantially the same v'ertical plane, a pair of plates providing a crossv head, means adjustably mounting said plates on said uprights, said plates I having capping die recesses, a capping die mounted in said recesses and having a flat shank extending between said plates, a rocker plate mounted between said cross head plates and'links connecting said rocker plate with said shank whereby when said rocker plate is rocked said die will be raised and lowered.

' FRANK L. DARLING. 

